Libertarian Tom Cox
The only third-party candidate running for governor, Cox has centered his campaign around a simple concept: Less is more.
Cox identifies himself as a fiscal conservative who’s socially tolerant. He has built his platform around bringing more accountability to government and reducing costs, while at the same time defending individual rights.
On higher education, Cox would use the money gleaned from government accountability to create a allowance for each student so he or she can decide where to go to school, whether it be in Oregon or somewhere
out-of-state.

Democrat Ted Kulongoski
A candidate who’s served in all three branches of the state government, Kulongoski has based his platform on building teams of people in government to work together to solve tough issues. He has also distanced himself from his opponent Kevin Mannix by defending social issues such as abortion-rights, gay rights and physician-assisted suicide.
Kulongoski’s top priorities would include making Oregon more attractive for potential employers, rebuilding the state’s infrastructure and creating an education endowment fund to help students pay for school.

Republican Kevin Mannix
Mannix has based a campaign around fiscal issues, including funding higher education and tinkering with the state budget.
The Republican has defined himself in the race by focusing on specific ways to change state government if elected, including modifying the Oregon Health Plan and injecting higher education with $350 million over the next few years.
Mannix said by accounting for every dollar spent in government, he could easily add funding to higher education and ensure affordability for students.